Two Spring Ginko
Spring is here and many of our haijin have been out and about, enjoying the change in the season. Please enjoy these reports from Bangalow & Adelaide.
Cloudcatchers’ Spring Ginko
The Cloudcatchers’ Spring ginko was held on Friday, 19 September 2008, the eleventh since we began with a summer ginko in December 2005. The weather was cloudy and breezy, but fine and cheerful. We had a great day, gathering at 9.30 am at the Bangalow Weir (Far North Coast NSW). There were ten of us, including our unofficial Patron, Janice Bostok, whom we always love to welcome, and John Bird, whose idea it all was in the first place. Three poets participated for the first time, with two of them having graduated from local workshops. The area offers the dammed Wilson’s Creek, a bit if wilderness and some semi-rural environment.
Opportunity was given for swapping of books, information about members achievements, and up-coming activities, including the 4th Pacific Rim Haiku Conference next September.
The ginko itself lasted forty-five minutes, and was followed by some serious writing, and then the sharing of first drafts. Many worthy haiku were created, with other captured moments awaiting a bit of polish. These were read aloud, one at a time, around one big table. Great enthusiasm and quite a bit of laughter! Then, at noon, we lunched together at the Bangalow Hotel.
Following the ginko an email Round Robin is currently being conducted, comprising five submitted haiku, written at the ginko, from each participant. All participating poets will comment on all offered material. And we love it. If you are in the area and wish to join us for the summer ginko, contact Quendryth Young at: [email protected]
Quendryth Young
Cloudcatcher coordinator
Spring Ginko - Adelaide Botanic Gardens
On Saturday September 13th, twelve poets, including one visitor from Tasmania, met in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens for a ginko.
After a quick hello, we took an hour to enjoy the Gardens. Some of us wandered without guidance, turning up or down paths as the whim took us. Others sought out the "Special Plants of the Month", and a couple sat down to observe the surroundings and people in one place.
The Cacti and Succulent Collection was popular. During the hour several haijin strolled among the spines and fleshy leaves. The cactus Bunny's Ears and the Euphorbia Medusa's Head were just two of the plants that set us thinking about the exotic names in the plant world. Near the creek and the Golden Chalice Vine, some of us encountered small giggling fairies celebrating a five-year-old's birthday.
We met up at the cafe to talk about our wanderings and to discuss our notes and poems. After the coldest August for many years, it was invigorating to be out on a sunny 27 degree day. Even more, to be able to share this experience with like-minded people through our interest in and love for haiku. Before parting, the group decided to meet again in November and explore another part of Adelaide.
Martina Taeker